On Wednesday, December 10, Australia became the first country to ban social media for minors under 16. This is the #1 policy recommendation I make in my book and I would love to see a similar law go into effect in the United States. The harms of social media are not only to the individual user, but they negatively impact the group social dynamics for teens, even teens who aren’t actively on the platforms. This makes it difficult for individual parents to fight the battle to keep their kids off social media or to shield their children who aren’t on it from the negative effects via their peer group dynamics, with social interactions and relationships being largely mediated through these apps. This law provides a solution to the collective action problem of social media and creates a new norm so that parents don’t have to fight these individual battles, social media becomes a non-issue for kids under 16. If you care to re-share this video here are links on X and Instagram.
I also went on Fox & Friends on Wednesday to discuss the new law going into effect and here are two clips from that interview where I explain the impact I expect to see from the law in Australia and why the social media platforms are already able to do this - they know who the minors are. You can click below to see the clips:
The Tech Exit E-Book Sale for $1.99 TODAY Only
Tell your friends if they want to get The Tech Exit on Kindle, for TODAY only the price has dropped to $1.99. Just in time for the holidays! Grab it while you can!
Recent Appearances:
Fox & Friends interviewed me three weeks ago about how social media sets unrealistic beauty standards for young girls and causes mental health issues. I encourage parents to get their children off social media and delay smartphones as long as possible.
If you missed the recent webinar that EPPC hosted on The Tech Exit, you can watch the recording here and share it with parents and teachers you know:
Recent podcast interviews:
All Things Possible with Bethany Hamilton
Undaunted.Life: A Man’s Podcast with Kyle Thompson
The Hamilton Review with Dr. Bob Hamilton
The Kylee Cast on Federalist Radio Hour
Scrolling 2 Death with Nicki Petrossi
